The cost of college in Maryland — and what it pays back
Across the 52 Maryland institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $17,578/yr, $672 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $47,623 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 25 of the 52 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$17,578
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$47,623
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
5.8 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
25/52
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Maryland's 52 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong10
Solid10
Slow2
Weak30
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland-College Park | $15,678 | $82,860 | 1.8 yrs |
| Johns Hopkins University | $18,809 | $87,555 | 1.9 yrs |
| Capitol Technology University | $22,102 | $85,035 | 2.4 yrs |
| Ner Israel Rabbinical College | $13,572 | $66,330 | 3 yrs |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $16,467 | $69,960 | 3 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll Community College | $2,725 | $44,349 | no payback |
| Chesapeake College | $5,106 | $36,301 | no payback |
| Hagerstown Community College | $6,835 | $41,615 | no payback |
| Montgomery College | $8,027 | $50,159 | 8.9 yrs |
| North American Trade Schools | $8,597 | $39,756 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Maryland?
The median net price across Maryland colleges is $17,578/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Maryland cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Maryland net price of $17,578/yr runs about $672/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Maryland college graduates earn?
A median $47,623 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Maryland college pays for itself fastest?
University of Maryland-College Park — about 1.8 years to clear its $62,712 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-maryland page.